Dr. Jim Denison
I was driving two of my grandchildren home from school the other day when we noticed a life-size depiction of Santa Claus and his reindeer in front of a restaurant along the road. My grandson then informed me that the “real” Santa Claus is at the North Pole getting ready for Christmas.
He seemed so confident that I didn’t feel I had to worry about dissuading him from his position, so I inquired about the shopping mall Santas we see. He patiently explained that Santa sends these “helpers” out in advance to learn what kids want so he can bring the right presents on Christmas Day. His logic makes complete sense to me.
However, less-enlightened adults sometimes speak of the fourth-century pastor St. Nicholas of Myra as the historic gift-giving figure upon whom Santa Claus is based. His remains are preserved in a church in Italy; a facial anthropologist recently reconstructed his face.
Now archaeologists think they may have discovered the sarcophagus in Turkey where he was originally buried. But, as my grandson will tell you, none of this changes what will happen on Christmas morning. More Here
